MEMORANDUM

TO: Rob Fix DATE: April 20, 2021 FROM: Brian Gouran COPIES: Adrienne Hegedus Tamara Sobjack SUBJECT: USDA Rural Energy for America Program Grant Agreement for Energize Whatcom ACTION REQUESTED A motion authorizing the Executive Director to enter into a grant agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture for funding for the Whatcom County Rural Energy Audit Program and to execute associated documents with project partners to implement the grant scope of work. BACKGROUND The Port of Bellingham (Port) has been approved to receive grant funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) to develop a local program called Energize Whatcom. This project will deliver education and energy audits to small businesses throughout the rural areas of the county, including Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack, and Sumas, and agricultural producers everywhere the county, including Bellingham. Energize Whatcom will unite the Port’s long history of economic development and relationship building in Whatcom County with the project partners’ respected energy audit and program management expertise. These partners are Sustainable Connections, Spark Northwest and Whatcom Conservation District. The Port will provide project management and outreach assistance. Energize Whatcom will leverage groundwork laid by Sustainable Connections’ established Community Energy Challenge (CEC) and Energize the San Juans Programs. The CEC is currently funded through a grant from the state government administered by the Washington State University Energy Program. This amounts to $43,660 in matching funds for this project. In addition to acceptance of the grant, this action anticipates future execution of documents with project partners documenting the process for administrating of the grant and implementation of the project. FISCAL IMPACT This grant provides $100,000 for the implementation and administration of the Energize Whatcom project. The funding will cover 100% of the Port’s costs associated with the project. STRATEGIC PURPOSE The project supports the 2021 Strategic Budget Environmental Objective #2 which includes “Ongoing support of best management practices in Port operations related to sustainable strategies for resource conservation, energy efficiency, material re-use and recycling, and environmental stewardship of publicly-owned assets.” RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval. Attachments: USDA REAP Grant documents

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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURERURAL DEVELOPMENT

RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT

This Agreement, which includes Attachments A and B, for the Project and Amount described below (the “Project Description”) and for the Program identified below, is between the Recipient (you) and the United States of America acting through the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS or we).

Type of Award (mark one): Program and CFDA Number (mark one):

Cooperative Agreement Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – 10.868 Grant Rural Economic Development Grant (REDG) – 10.854

Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) – 10.351 Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program (RMAP) – 10.870 Agricultural Marketing Resource Center – 10.352 Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas – 10.782 Delta Health Care Services (DHCS) – 10.874 Federal-State Research on Cooperatives – 10.350 Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) – 10.771 Rural Development Cooperative Agreement (No CFDA) Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) – 10.871 Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG) – 10.352 Other

I. GENERAL AWARD INFORMATION 1. Recipient Name & Address: 2. DUNS Number: 3. SAM CAGE Code:

4. Case Number:

5. Federal Award Identification Number (FAIN): 6. Award Date:

7. Performance Start Date: 8. Performance End Date:

9. Amount of Federal Funds Obligated for thisAction, and Total Amount of Federal FundsObligated:

10. Amount of Matching/Other Funds (if applicable):

11. Total Project Cost (Budget Approved Amount): 12. Award as Percentage of Total Project Cost:

13. Indirect Cost Rate (if applicable): 14. Does this award involve Research & Development? Yes No

15.Recipient Contact (Name, Title, Contact Info): 16. Agency Contact (Name, Title, Contact Info):

Port of Bellingham 055485379 0ZL10

1901 Roeder Ave.

Bellingham, WA 98227 56-037-999372147

01/31/21

$ 100,000.00

$ 143,660.00

Rob Fix Executive Director

(360) 715-5119

adrienneh@portofbellingham.com

Brandon Hoffman360-488-4841brandon.hoffman@wa.usda.gov

$ 43,660.00

69.61%

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II. RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Recipient. The Recipient shall remain in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and other generally applicable requirements for the duration of the Agreement including 2 CFR parts 200, 400, 415, 416, 417, 418, 421, and 422. The most commonly-referenced provisions are identified below.

1. Financial and Program Management. You must follow the financial and performance management requirements in 2 CFR §§ 200.300-.309.

a. Financial Management. You must maintain a financial management system in compliance with 2 CFR § 200.302.

b. Internal Controls. You must maintain internal controls in compliance with 2 CFR § 200.303.

c. Payments. You must comply with the payment requirements described in 2 CFR § 200.305. Payment must be requested by using the SF-270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement” or SF-271, “Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs” (as applicable). Receipts, hourly wage rate, personnel payroll records, or other documentation must be provided upon request from RBS if the request is for an advance; otherwise, the documentation must be provided at the time of the request. Requests for payment must be sent to the Agency contact listed in Section I.16.

d. Revisions of the Work Plan and Budget. You must complete all elements of the Work Plan in Attachment B in accordance with that Attachment and must use project funds only for the purposes and activities specified in Attachment B - Approved Work Plan and Budget. The Recipient must further complete the outcomes shown for each Work Plan items within the time and scope constraints shown in Attachment B. You must report any changes and request prior approvals in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.308.

e. Period of Performance. You may only incur costs chargeable to the award in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.309.

f. Bonding. You must maintain your fidelity bond coverage in the amount of _________________ for the Period of Performance of the award. (See 2 CFR § 200.304.)

g. Program Income. You must comply with the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.307. Additionally, if program income is earned during the period of performance, you may use it in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.307(e)(2), provided that you inform us in writing of your intent prior to the award date.However, if you earn program income in excess of what can be used under 2 CFR § 200.307(e)(2) or if you earn unanticipated program income, you must comply with 2 CFR § 200.307(e)(1). Costs incidental to the generation of program income may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs have not been charged to the award.

$0

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2. Procurement and Property Standards. You must follow the procurement standards requirements in 2 CFR §§ 200.310-.326.

3. Performance and Financial Monitoring and Reporting. You must follow the requirements in 2 CFR Part 170, including Appendix A, and 2 CFR §§ 200.327-.329, and submit reports as outlined below. Unless otherwise directed in the addendum to this Agreement, the reports are due as indicated below.

a. Form SF-425, “Financial Status Report.” Reports are due 30 calendar days after the reporting period ends. A final report is due within 90 days after the Performance End Date specified in Section I.8. of this Agreement or at the completion of your project, whichever date is sooner. Your reporting periods are below (mark one):

Semi-Annually: January 1 – June 30 and July 1 – December 31

Semi-Annually: April 1 – September 30 and October 1 – March 31

Quarterly: January 1 – March 31, April 1 – June 30, July 1 – September 30, October 1 – December 31

b. Performance Reports. Reports are due 30 calendar days after the reporting period ends. A final report is due within 90 days after the Performance End Date specified in Section I.8.of this Agreement or at the completion of your project, whichever date is sooner. Your reporting periods are below (mark one):

Semi-Annually: January 1 – June 30 and July 1 – December 31

Semi-Annually: April 1 – September 30 and October 1 – March 31

Quarterly: January 1 – March 31, April 1 – June 30, July 1 – September 30, October 1 – December 31

4. Subrecipient Monitoring and Management. You must monitor and manage any subrecipients in accordance with 2 CFR §§ 200.330-.332.

5. Record Retention and Access. You must retain records related to this work performed under this Agreement and allow access to them in accordance with 2 CFR §§ 200.333-.337.

6. Closeout. You must comply with the closeout requirements in 2 CFR § 200.343.

7. Post-Closeout Adjustments and Continuing Responsibilities. You must continue to comply with the requirements in 2 CFR § 200.344 even after the Period of Performance for this Agreement has ended.

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8. Cost Principles. You must comply with the provisions in 2 CFR Part 200, most of which are contained in Subpart E.

9. Audits. You must comply with the provisions in 2 CFR Part 200, Subpart F.

10. Civil Rights Compliance. Unless otherwise provided in the addendum, you must comply with Executive Order 12898, Executive Order 13166- Limited English Proficient, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as applicable. Your compliance, shall include collection and maintenance of data on race, sex, and national origin of your membership, ownership, and employees. These data must be available to us for Civil Rights Compliance Reviews. Unless otherwise provided in Attachment A, you must submit to a post-award compliance review conducted after the final disbursement of grant funds have occurred.

11. Universal Identifier and Central Contractor Registration. You must comply with 2 CFR Part 25, including Appendix A. Note that the Central Contractor Registration is now available through the System for Award Management at www.sam.gov.

12. Special Conditions. You must comply with any special conditions identified in Attachment A – Program Addendum.

B. Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS). RBS shall remain in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, Executive Orders, and other generally applicable requirements for the duration of the Agreement. The most commonly-referenced provisions are identified below.

1. Payments. We will advance or reimburse funds up to the Award Amount identified in Section I.9 upon the Recipient’s proper request according to Section II.A.1.c.

2. Monitoring and Enforcement. We will monitor the project to ensure that you are in compliance with the terms of the award. If we find that you are not in compliance, we will enforce the terms of this Agreement using the provisions of 2 CFR §§ 200.338-.342.

C. Both Parties. The Recipient and RBS agree to the following:

1. Invalid Clauses. The invalidity of any one or more phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the remaining portions of the Agreement.

2. Conflict between this Agreement and Other Applicable Regulations or Laws.If there is a conflict between this Agreement and the applicable Program Regulation, the applicable Program Regulation shall prevail. If there is a conflict

5

between this Agreement and another law or regulation, RBS shall seek a legal opinion to determine which provision applies.

3. Dates. When the date fixed for the performance of an act under this Agreement is on a weekend or Federal holiday, then the performance by the close of business on the next Federal work day shall have the same force and effect as if made performed or exercised on the specified date.

The signatories below certify that they have authority to enter into this Agreement.

Approved by an Authorized Representative of the Recipient:

______________________________________________________________________________Name (Please Print)

______________________________________________________________________________Title (Please Print)

_______________________________________________ ________________________ Signature Date

Approved by the United States of America, Rural Business-Cooperative Service by:

______________________________________________________________________________Name (Please Print)

______________________________________________________________________________Title (Please Print)

_______________________________________________ ________________________ Signature Date

Attachment A – Program Addendum Attachment B – Approved Work Plan and Budget

Rob Fix

Executive Director

03/25/21

Brian Buch

BCP Program Director

Attachment A – Program Addendum

PROGRAM NAME: Rural Energy for America Program

Type of Grant (mark one): Renewable Energy System (RES) Energy Efficiency Improvement (EEI) Energy AuditRenewable Energy Development Assistance

AUTHORITY: 7 U.S.C. 8107

APPLICABLE PROGRAM REGULATIONS: 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B

APPLICABLE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE: [INSERT REFERENCE]

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMATIC AWARD PROVISIONS:

RBS and the Recipient agree to the following additional provisions:

Section II, Paragraph A.1.a. is retained and the following language is added:

Accounting records shall be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and contain information pertaining to grant awards and authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, liabilities, outlays, income, and interest.Accounting principles that are generally required by commercial agricultural lenders may be used in lieu of GAAP for Recipients that are agriculture producers.

Section II, Paragraph A.1.c. is retained and the following language is added:

For Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvements grants with total project costs of $200,000 and greater, grant funds will be disbursed in accordance with the appropriate construction and inspection requirements in 7 CFR 4280.117(f) and 7 CFR 4280.123(h)(5), as applicable. Unless required by third parties providing cost sharing payments on a pro-rata basis with other matching funds, grant funds will be disbursed after all other matching funds have been expended.

For Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvements grants with total project costs of less than $200,000, grant funds will be disbursed in accordance with the appropriate construction and inspection requirements in 7 CFR 4280.118(c) and (d), or 7 CFR 4280.119(c) and (d), as applicable.

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✔

Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for AmericaProgram for Federal Fiscal Year 2021Published: November 25, 2020

which we retain an interest, in accordance with 2 CFR § 200.329.

Should actual project costs for the grant be lower than projected in Block 11, in part I, General Award Information, the final amount of the grant will be adjusted to remain at the percentage identified in Block 12 of the final Total Project Costs. Block 12 does not apply to Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance grants. However, the recipient of an energy audit under the Energy Audit grant must pay at least 25 percent of the cost of the energy audit, which shall be retained by the Recipient for the cost of the audit. This must be documented in the required semiannual reports.

For Renewable Energy System grants and Energy Efficiency Improvement grants. The proposed renewable energy system or energy efficiency improvements shall be constructed and/or installed in accordance with any energy audit or energy assessment recommendations, engineering recommendations, technical reports, or other applicable information provided by the Recipient and approved by RBS. The Recipient will own, operate, and provide for continued maintenance on the Project.

Section II, Paragraph A.3.c. is added with the following language:

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Other property (e.g. equipment) acquired with Award Funds. (Describe each item, estimated useful life, and the value of equipment. Use continuation sheets as necessary.)

Item Estimated Useful Life Value

Real property acquired or improved with Award Funds. (Provide the legal description and/or address of where the real property or other property described in block below is located. Use continuation sheets as necessary.)

Section II, Paragraph A.2. is retained and the following language is added: In addition, you must list any real property and equipment purchases made with project funds in the tables below. Finally, you must provide status reports on any real property in

c. Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants. TheRecipient will provide a detailed project funding and expense summary and a summary of the project’s installation/construction process, including recommendations for development of similar projects by future applicants to the program.

N/A - Tech Assistance Only N/A $100,000.00

$100,000.00

The Recipient will provide outcome project performance reports as follows: 1. Renewable Energy System Report. Three total annual reports are due for

renewable energy systems. The first report is due at completion of the first full calendar year following the year in which the project was completed. The remaining reports are required on subsequent calendar years. The report will provide the following details:

i. Type of technology;

ii. The actual annual amount of energy generated in British Thermal Units, kilowatt-hours, or similar energy equivalents;

iii. Annual income for systems that are selling energy, if applicable, and/or energy savings of the renewable energy system;

iv. A summary of the cost of operations and maintenance;

v. A description of any associated major maintenance or operational problems;

vi. Recommendations for development of future similar projects; and

vii. Actual number of jobs, if any, created or saved as a direct result of the renewable energy system project for which Rural Energy for America Program funding was used.

2. Energy Efficiency Improvement Report. Two total annual reports are due for energy efficiency improvement projects. The first report is due at completion of the first full calendar year following the year in which the project was completed.The remaining reports are required on subsequent calendar years. The report will provide the following details, including calculations and any assumptions:

i. The actual amount of energy saved annually as determined by the difference between:

(A)The annual amount of energy used by the project with the project in place; and

(B) The annual average amount of energy used in the period prior to application submittal as reported in the Energy Assessment or Energy Audit submitted with the application; and

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ii. Actual number of jobs, if any, created or saved as a direct result of the energyefficiency improvement project for which Rural Energy for America Programfunding was used.

3. Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Recipients willprovide the following:

i. Semiannual project performance reports with the following information:

(A)Discuss the number of Energy Audits performed, number of recipientsassisted and the type of assistance provided for renewable energydevelopment assistance in the comparison of actual accomplishments tothe objectives established for that period.

(B) Include a list of recipients, each recipient’s location, and each recipient’sNorth American Industry Classification System code.

(C) Objectives and timetable established for the next reporting period.

ii. Final project performance report that includes the following:

(A)Energy Audit Report. This will be a comprehensive project performancereport describing:

(1) The number of audits conducted.

(2) A list of recipients with each recipient’s North American IndustryClassification System code.

(3) The location of each recipient.

(4) The cost of each audit and documentation showing that the recipient ofthe energy audit provided 25 percent of the cost of the audit.

(5) The expected energy saved for each audit conducted.

(B) Renewable Energy Development Assistance Report. This will be acomprehensive project performance report describing:

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(1) The number of recipients assisted and the type of assistance provided.

(2) A list of recipients with each recipient’s North American Industry Classification System code.

(3) The location of each recipient.

(4) The expected renewable energy that would be generated if the projects were implemented.

iii. Outcome project performance reports as follows:

(A)One year after submittal of the final performance report, provide a final status report as follows:

(1)The Recipient will provide RBS a status report identifying the number of energy audit projects that proceeded with one or all of the Recipient’s recommendations from the finding in the energy audit as well as the amount of energy saved for each project.

(2) The Recipient will provide the RBS a status report identifying the number of renewable energy projects that proceeded with one or all of the Recipient’s recommendations from technical assistance provided or from findings on the renewable energy site assessment as well as the amount of renewable energy generated for each project, as applicable.

Section II.A.10. is retained and the following language is added:

Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement grants are a “conducted program.” Recipients will not be required to provide data for a Civil Rights Compliance Review.

Section II, Paragraph A.12 is retained with the following language added:

The following Special Conditions apply to your award:

[INSERT SPECIAL CONDITIONS OR N/A]

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N/A

Section II, Paragraph A.13. is added with the following language:

Cost Sharing. You must comply with the requirements of 2 CFR § 200.306.Additionally, matching funds, if required by us or voluntarily provided by you, must be available at the same time award funds are expected to be spent and expenditures of matching funds will be pro-rated or spent in advance of award funds.

Section II.B.1. is retained and the following language is added:

Grant funds not expended within 2 years from the date this Agreement is executed will be cancelled by RBS. Prior to the actual cancellation, RBS will notify the Recipient, in writing, of the intent to cancel the remaining grant funds.

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Attachment B – Approved Work Plan and Budget. (The work plan must have time, scope, and outcome entries for each task.)

1901 Roeder Ave. Bellingham, WA 98227

Rural Development grant money will be used to fund the task of providing energyaudits for agricultural producers and rural small businesses in rural WhatcomCounty, WA. The applicant, the Port of Bellingham, is a utility provider in theCounty. The applicant and its partners plan to provide at least 30 energy auditsto eligible businesses.

01/31/21

USDAForm RD 1940-1(Rev. 06-10)

REQUEST FOR OBLIGATION OF FUNDSFORM APPROVEDOWIB No. 0570-00610MB No. 0570-0062

INSTRUCTIONS-TYPE IN CAPITALIZED ELITE TYPE IN SPACES MARKED (Complete Items 1 through 29 and applicable Items 30 through 34. See FMI.

1.CASE NUMBER

ST CO BORROWER ID

56-037-999372147

LOAN NUMBER

00

n/aFISCAL YEAR

21

2. BORROWER NAME

Port of Bellingham

3. NUMBER NAME FIELDS

(1, 2, or 3 from Item 2)

1901 Roeder Ave.4. STATE NAMEWashington

Bellingham, WA 982275. COUNTf NAME

Whatcom

GENERAL BORROWER/LOAN INFORMATION6. RACE/ETHNIC

CLASSIFICATION1 -WHITE2 - BLACK3 - AI/AN

4 - HISPANIC5-A/PI

7. TYPE OF APPLICANT6 - ORG. OF FARMERS7 - NONPROFIT-SECULAR8 - NONPROFIT-FAITH BASED8 - INDIAN TRIBE

|5 -ASSOC.OF" 10-PUBUCCOLLEGEAJNIVERSIT/lir'FARMFRS"' 11-OTHER

1 - INDIV1DUAL2 - PARTNERSHIP3 - CORPORATION4 -PUBLIC BODY5 -ASSOC.OF

FARMERS

8. COLLATERAL CODE1- REAL ESTATE 4 - MACHINERY ONLYSECURED 5 - LIVESTOCK ONLY2-REAL ESTATE 6 - CROPS ONLYAND CHATTEL 7 - SECURED BY3-NOTE ONLY OR BONDS

CHATTEL ONLY 8 - RLF ACCT

9. EWIPLOYEERELATIONSHIP CODE

1 - EMPLOYEE2 - MEMBER OF FAMILY3 - CLOSE RELATIVE4 -ASSOC.

3 - FAMILY UNIT4 - ORGAN. MALE OWNED

1 - MALE2 -FEMALE

5 - ORGAN FEMALE OWNED6-PUBLIC BODY

11. MARITAL STATUS1 - MARRIED 3 - UNMARRIED (INCLUDES2-SEPARATED WIDOWED/DIVORCED)

12. VETERAN CODE1-YES2-NO

13. CREDIT REPORT1 -YES2-NO

14. DIRECT PAYMENT

(SeeFMI)

15. TYPE OF PAYMENT

1 - MONTHLY 3 - SEMI-ANNUALLY2 - ANNUALLY 4 - QUARTERLY

16. FEE INSPECTION

1 -YES2-NO

IT.COIVHVIUNH'YSIZE1 -10 000 OR LESS (FOR SFH AND2-OVER 10,000 HPG ONLY)

18. USE OF FUNDS CODE(Sae FMI)

COMPLETE FOR OBLIGATION OF FUNDSIS.TfPEOF

ASSISTANCE506 | iSeeFMii

20. PURPOSE CODE 21. SOURCE OF FUNDS 22. TCPE OF ACTION

1 -OBLIGATION ONLY2 - OBUGATtON/CHECK REQUEST

1 I 3 - CORRECTION OF OBLIGATION

23. Ti'PE OF SUBMISSION1 - INITIAL2 -SUBSEQUENT

24. AMOUNT OF LOAN 25. AMOUNT OF GRANT

$ 100,000.00

26. AMOUNT OFIMMEDIATE ADVANCE

27. DATE OFAPPROVAL

MO DAY YR

28. INTEREST RATE

%

29. REPAYMENT TERMS

COMPLETE FOR COIVIMUNITf PROGRAM AND CERTAIN MULTIPLE-FAIVHLY HOUSING LOANS30. PROFIT TCPE

2 - LIMITED PROFIT1 - FULL PROFIT 3 - NONPROFIT

COMPLETE FOR EM LOANS ONLY COMPLETE FOR CREDIT SALE-ASSUMPTION31. DISASTER DESIGNATION NUMBER

(See FMt)

32. Ti'PE OF SALE2-ASSUMPTION ONLY

1 -CREDIT SALE ONLY 3 -CREDIT SALE WITH SUBSEQUENT LOAN4 -ASSUMPTION WITH

SUBSEQUENT LOAN

FINANCE OFFICE USE ONLY COMPLETE FOR FP LOANS ONLY33. OBLIGATION DATE

MO DA YR

34. BEGINNING FARMER/RANCHER

fSee FMI)

If the decision contained above w ihisfonn results in denial, reiluction or cancellation ofUSDA assistance, you may appeal this decision ami have a hearing or you may recjjiesf a review in lien of a hewing.Please use fhe form we have inch(ded for this purpose.

Position 2

ORIGINAL - Borrower's Case Folder COPY 1 - Finance Office COPY 2 - Applicant/Lender COPY 3 - State Office

According to the Papenvork Rednctipf^Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to ninformation unless it displays a valid 0MB control iwmb'er. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 05 70-0061 and0^70-0062 The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time forreviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaming the data needed, and completing and reviewmg the collection ofinformation.

CERTIFICATION APPROVAL

For All Farmers Programs EM, OL, FO, and SW Loans

Thissection n(

ThisTOaft-is^approved subject to the availability of funds. If this loan does not close for any reason within 90jl^yft5m the

date of approval'mrthts^Spument, the approval official will request updated eligibility infomistten-TRe undersigned loan

)plicant agrees that the approVai-ofQsml will have 14 working days to review^ny-ttpdafed information prior to submitting

lis document for obligation of funds. IftKeTe-has^een significant-ehaTlges that may affect eligibility, a decision as to

)ility and feasibility will be made within 30 days-SSTlF%e^ime the applicant provides the necessary information.

If this is a loan approvgljwwtlich a lien and/or title search is necessaiy, the undePsigBedjipplicant agrees that the

15-workiog-dayToan closing requirement may be exceeded for the purposes of the applicant'sTegaktegresentative

completing title work and completing loan closing.

35. COMMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS OF CERTIFYING OFFICIALApproval of financial assistance is subject to the terms of theof Conditions" dated March 22, 2021.

'Letter

36.

Thissection

not

^BY CERTIFY that I am unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance my actual needs at reasonable-rafes

and termsTfafctfigjnto consideration prevailing private and cooperative rates and terms in or near myjaMHfllGnity for loans

for similar purposes anS~p®UQds of time. I agree to use the sum specified herein, subjecttQjfoj'fn. accordance with

regulations applicable to the typeof-as&ifitance indicated above, and request ggynwrtfbf such sum. I agree to report to

USDA any material adverse changes, fmanciatm-otherwise, that^ceurpFIor to loan closing. I certify that no part of the sum

specified herein has been received. I have reviewed thgjoan'gp.proval requirements and comments associated with this loan

request and agree to comply with these pro)

applicable[For FP loans at eligiblfi-teml^only) If this loan is approved, I elect the interest rate to be charged ori~Biy-4aan^to be the lower of the

interest rateJn-eflSct at the time of loan approval or loan closing. If I check "NO", the interest rate charged on my

"will be the rate specified in Item 28 of this form. YES NO

WARNING:

Date March 25

Whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United Statesknowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a materialfact, or makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes or usesany false writing or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious or fraudulentstatement or entry, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both."

20 21_Ro:ib^lfi Executive Director

(Signature of Applicant)

Date. 20.

(Signature ofCo-Applicant)

37. I HEREBY CERTIFY that all of the committee and administrative determinations and certifications required by regulationsprerequisite to providing assistance of the type indicated above have been made and that evidence thereof is in the docket, and

that all requirements of pertinent regulations have been complied with. I hereby approve the above-described assistance in the

amount set forth above, and by this document, subject to the availability of funds, the Government agrees to advance such

amount to the applicant for the purpose of and subject to the availability prescribed by regulations applicable to this type ofassistance.

(Signature of Approving Official)

Typed or Printed Name: Brian Buch

Date Approved: -p,^ . BCP Program Director

38. TO THE APPLICANT: As of this date , this is notice that your application for financial assistancefrom the USDA has been approved, as indicated above, subject to the availability of funds and other conditions required by

the USDA. If you have any questions contact the appropriate USDA Servicing Office.

Position 3

Form RD 1942-46 FORM APPROVEDOMB NO. 0575-0015OMB NO. 0570-0021OMB NO. 0570-0061OMB NO. 0570-0062

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURERURAL DEVELOPMENT(Rev. 6-10)

LETTER OF INTENT TO MEET CONDITIONS

Date

TO: United States Department of Agriculture

(Name of USDA Agency)

(USDA Agency Office Address)

We have reviewed and understand the conditions set forth in your letter dated

them not later than

(Name of Association)BY

(Title)

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a persons is not required to respond to a collection of informationunless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0575-0015, 0570-0021, 0570-0061 and 0570-0062.The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existingdata sources, gathering and maintaining the data. needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

Form RD 1942-46 (Rev. 6-10)

It is our intent to meet all of.

.

03/25/21

USDA Rural Development

1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Suite COlympia, WA 98512

03-22-2021

6/22/21

Port of Bellingham

Rob Fix Executive Director

Rural Development • Washington State Office 1835 Black Lake Blvd, Suite C • Olympia, WA 98512

Voice (360) 704-7724 • Fax (855) 847-5490

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at program.intake@usda.gov.

March 22, 2021

Port of Bellingham Adrienne Hegedus 1801 Roeder Ave Bellingham, WA 98227

RE: Letter of Conditions – Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) - Energy Audit (EA) Project Description: Energy Audits Grant Amount: $100,000

Dear Ms. Hegedus,

This letter establishes conditions which must be understood and agreed to by you before further consideration can be given to your application. The grant will be administered on behalf of the Rural Business and Cooperative Services (RBS) by the staff of USDA Rural Development. All terms and conditions outlined in 7 CFR 4280 Subpart B, the Notice of Solicitation of Applications published in the Federal Register November 25, 2020, and RD Instruction 4280-B will apply to the project and disbursement of any grant funds.

This letter does not constitute grant approval, nor does it ensure that funds are or will be available for the project. Please refrain from making any announcements regarding these awards as this will be done by the Secretary at a later date. No notification should be made to the congressional or media; that will be done at the time of formal announcement.

Energy Audit guidelines are outlined in 4280.103 and 4280.187.

Any changes in project cost, source of funds, scope of services, or any other significant changes in the project or applicant, must be reported to and approved by USDA Rural Development, by written amendment to this letter. If significant changes are made without obtaining such approval, Rural Development may discontinue processing the application.

If all conditions in the Letter of Conditions are met, there have been no adverse changes in the grantee’s financial condition or eligibility, and no change in the project’s purpose or technology, the Agency will issue the Financial Assistance Agreement.

Please complete and return the attached Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions”, and Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds” by March 29, 2021 if you desire that further consideration be given to your application.

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The docket may be completed on the basis of the following:

1. PROJECT FUNDSThe Project Funds must be disbursed in accordance with RD Instruction 4280-B, 4280.187. Anyrevisions in this financing plan must have USDA-Rural Development concurrence. Alldocumented funding must total the project amount. Grantee must maintain all receipts and otherdocumentation for all transactions where grant and matching funds are used for the project costand provide copies to Rural Development.

2. GRANT AMOUNTThe application may be completed on the basis of a grant not to exceed $100,000. Grant fundswill be used only for eligible costs as identified in RD Instruction 4280-B.

3. OTHER MATCHING FUNDS

Your organization’s application identified $43,660 as match. This match is from the followingsources: Sustainable Connections (in-kind) $39,160 EA Fees $4,500 Total Match $43,660

All matching contributions, both cash and in-kind, will be applied towards eligible project budget items.

The matching funds will be applied to the project at the same time grant funds are applied on a prorated basis as follows: 30.39% matching funds and 69.61% grant funds. Prior to any release of grant funds, the Grantee will provide documentation sufficient to USDA Rural Development that matching funds have been expended on the approved project.

Documentation confirming the contribution of these funds to the project budget was provided via a commitment letter from Sustainable Connections (project contractor) in the application.

All funds must be under the control of the grantee at all times and be reflected in the financial status reports submitted quarterly.

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4. PROJECT BUDGET Total project budget is as follows:

Outreach Administration TOTAL Personnel $15,000.00 $15,000.00 Fringe Benefits $2,700.00 $2,700.00 Travel $750.00 $750.00 Equipment $0.00 Supplies $1,050.00 $1,050.00 Contractual $119,160.00 $119,160.00 Other $5,000.00 $5,000.00 TOTAL $138,660.00 $5,000.00 $143,660.00

Note: the EA grant is for a maximum amount of $100,000. Should it at any time appear that the total project cost as set forth above will exceed $143,660, RBS shall not be obligated to advance grant funds until the Grantee has provided evidence that funds sufficient to complete the project have been made available. Grantee must submit a final project budget for Agency review and approval. The approved project budget will become part of the Financial Assistance Agreement.

5. USE OF FUNDS Any changes in the proposed use of funds must be submitted in writing to USDA Rural Development and receive prior written approval. All funds will be disbursed by the Grantee for authorized purposes as outlined in the scope of work that was provided with the Grantee’s application. Any remaining RBS funds not required for the project will be returned as unused funds reducing the grant.

6. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT. Form RD 4280-2, Rural Business and Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement, is attached for your review.

RD Form 4280-2, “Rural Business and Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement” is required to be executed and submitted by the Grantee once the conditions of this Letter of Conditions have been met.

RD Form 4280-2, “Rural Business and Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement” is to be executed within 180 days of grant approval. The grantee can request an extension to execute the RD Form 4280-2, “Rural Business and Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement” in writing to the Agency for review prior to the expiration of the 180 days from grant approval. If the grantee does not request an extension or execute RD Form 4280-2, “Rural Business and Cooperative Service Financial Assistance Agreement” within 180 days of grant approval the grant funds may be deobligated and no longer be available for the approved project.

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7. DEBARMENT You also must obtain a certification on Form AD-1048, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion – Lower Tier Covered Transactions,’ from contractors and vendors (above $25,000) you do business with as a result of this Government assistance that they are not debarred or suspended form Government assistance.

8. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND NONDISCRIMINATION REQUIREMENTS

The Grantee will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, “Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs,” 42 U.S.C. 2004d4, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for Federally Conducted Programs and Activities, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. RD Form 400-4, Assurance Agreement will be required to be signed by the grantee. Borrowers and grantees must take reasonable steps to ensure that Limited English Proficiency (LEP) persons receive the language assistance necessary to afford them meaningful access to USDA programs and activities, free of charge. USDA has issued guidance to clarify the responsibilities of recipients and sub recipients who receive financial assistance from USDA and to assist them in fulfilling their responsibilities to LEP persons under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, as amended, and implementing regulations. The RD LEP guidance will assist you in conducting an LEP 4-Factor Analysis and developing a Language Access Plan (LAP). To comply with the LEP requirements, you must complete a 4-Factor Analysis and provide meaningful access to LEP persons. As a recipient what do I need to do?

a. Go to the website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/offices/civil-rights , scroll down and find (under Important Documents) the USDA Rural Development Limited English Proficiency Implementation Strategy for Federally Assisted Programs. As the recipient, you will need to set up a file titled Limited English Proficiency to document your compliance with the LEP requirements.

b. Read the document and review the requirements for LEP. Page 8 of the document describes the 4 Factor Analysis, which is a step-by-step suggested process for conducting an LEP needs assessment.

c. Complete the 4-Factor Analysis for your RD assisted project and/or service area(s). Note, if you have received assistance for multiple projects or from more than one program, you may have multiple service areas that will need to be evaluated. However, the multiple service areas can be combined in the same analysis. There is no need to conduct separate analyses for each area.

d. The documentation that you have gathered for the 4-Factor Analysis should be saved and filed in your office’s LEP file. This documentation will be needed for all future RD Compliance Review visits.

e. As a recipient you will need to monitor, evaluate, and update the 4-Factor analysis as appropriate, as changes in your service area warrants. Document any changes or updates in your office LEP/LAP file.

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9. BUSINESS OPERATIONS, ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS Prior to fund disbursement instructions being issued you must present to Rural Development for approval:

a. A complete set of financial records to be maintained. b. A project fund tracking system will be developed and concurred in by Rural

Development

10. CLOSING By acceptance of these conditions, it is agreed that your organization will provide and sign all evidence, forms, documents, and agreements necessary to complete the application.

11. GRANT DISBURSEMENT The grant disbursement period will encompass 18 months after the date of the signed Financial Assistance Agreement. Should the project exceed this timeframe, USDA Rural Development reserves the right to discontinue using grant funds unless extended in writing. Grantee will disburse grant funds within the timeframe scheduled after funds have been obligated and the Financial Assistance Agreement executed. Grant funds will be disbursed by USDA Rural Development on a reimbursement basis not to exceed one advance every 30 days. An original Standard Form (SF) 270, "Request for Advance or Reimbursement," will be submitted to USDA Rural Development. The financial management system of the recipient organization shall provide for effective control over and accountability for all funds, property, and other assets. Grant funds will be transferred to the Grantee via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The Grantee will complete and deliver to Grantor, Form SF 3881, “Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Enrollment Form.” Grant funds will be disbursed by RBS on a reimbursement basis. It is anticipated that multiple advances will be requested for this project. The Scope of Work identifies specific goals with tasks associated with each goal. Each task will result in a project deliverable (i.e., project report). Accordingly, RBS can consider an advance of funds upon completion of each task. Complete documentation will be required to be submitted to Agency. When funds are requested, please submit the following to RBS for each task identified in the approved scope of work:

a. Standard Form SF-270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement.” b. Copy of the all invoices or receipts for consultant, supplies and/or travel expenses c. Copy of attendance roster for workshops/outreach events (when applicable) d. Copy of outreach material developed (when applicable)

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e. Copy of all energy audits provided to agriculture producer and/or rural small business. It is anticipated that 30 recipients will receive an energy audit. The grantee will need to provide a report for each recipient which includes:

(i) Name and location of the recipient(ii) Recipient's North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS).(iii) Total cost of each audit and documentation showing the recipient paid 25%.(iv) Expected energy saved for each audit conducted if recommendations are

implemented.f. Reports due per Item 13. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS below.

The final funds request will include an evaluation of the overall project and a Final Performance Report (refer to Item 13. Reporting Requirements). The evaluation will provide feedback to the Agency on the success of the projects:

When a request for funds is received, RBS will verify the accuracy of the request and the consistency with the approved EA budget. RBS reserves the right to request additional information as needed Final disbursement may not be made prior to RBS receipt of final report along with evidence of Owner’s acceptance of the report

12. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:Periodic Reporting. Form SF-425, “Financial Status Report” and a Project Performance Reportwill be required on a semi-annual basis. The financial status report must show how grant fundsand leveraged funds have been used to date and project the funds needed and their purposes forthe next quarter. A final report may serve as the last semi-annual report. Grantees shall constantlymonitor performance to ensure that the time schedules are being met and projected goals by timeperiods are being accomplished. The semi-annual project performance reports will also:

(i) Discuss how objectives and timetables were met or if not met, a summary of any delaysor problems that occurred, and a statement of action taken or planned to resolve thesituation.

(ii) Discuss the number of recipients helped via renewable energy development assistance inthe comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for that period.

(iii) Include a list of recipients, each recipient’s location, county, and zip code.(iv) Include each recipient’s North American Industry Classification System code.

Final Performance Report. A final performance report will be required with the Federal Financial Report within 90 days after project completion. The Final Performance Report will include all information specified as applicable for renewable energy development assistance.

For Energy Audit Reports: (i) The number of audits conducted(ii) A list of recipients (Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses) with each

recipient’s NAICS code,(iii) The location of each recipient,(iv) The cost of each audit and documentation showing that the recipient of the Energy Audit

provided 25 percent of the cost of the audit, and

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(v) The expected energy saved for each audit conducted if the audit is implemented.

Outcome Project Performance Report. One year after submittal of the final performance report, the grantee will provide the Agency a final status report on the number of projects that are proceeding with one or all of the grantee’s recommendations, including the amount of energy saved and the amount of renewable energy generated, as applicable.

13. CERTIFICATIONSThe grantee is required to execute Form AD-1047, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters- Primary Covered Transactions,” to certify that your organization is not debarred or suspended form Government assistance.The grantee is required to execute Form AD-1049, “Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants) Alternative I – For Grantees Other Than Individuals,” to certify that you will provide a drug-free awareness program for employees.The grantee is required to execute Form SF-LLL, “Disclosure of Lobbying Activities”, if the grant exceeds $100,000 and/or if the grantee has made or agreed to make payment using funds other than Federal appropriated funds to influence or attempt to influence a decision in connection with an application.

14. SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (SAM)Unless you are exempted from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110, you as the recipient must register before the Financial Assistance Agreement is executed and maintain the currency of your SAM information or until you submit the final financing report required under this award or receive the final payment, whichever is later. This requires that you review and update the information at least annually after the initial registration, and more frequently if required by changes in your information or another award term. Additional information about registration procedures may be found at the SAM Internet site (http://www.sam.gov ).

15. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONSBy signing Form RD 1942-46 “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions,” the signatory attests that the grantee organization has not been convicted of a felony criminal violation under Federal law in the 24 months preceding the date of signature, nor has any officer or agent of Washington Conservation Commission been convicted of a felony criminal violation under Federal law in the 24 months preceding the date of signature.

By signing Form RD 1942-46 “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions,” the signatory attests that the grantee organization does not have any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability.

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16. OTHER REQUIREMENTSThe Grantee will be responsible for any additional requirements of federal, state, or localgovernments that may apply in accordance with 7 CFR 4280 Subpart B. Employee DishonestyInsurance or bonding is required.

The Grantee will follow the requirements in the Letter of Conditions and the Financial Assistance Agreement. No further processing will occur on this application until the attached Forms RD 1942-46 and 1940-1 are signed and returned.

Sincerely,

BRIAN BUCH Director, Business-Cooperative Programs

Enclosures

Enclosures:

Form RD 1942-46, “Letter of Intent to Meet Conditions” Form RD 1940-1, “Request for Obligation of Funds” Form RD 4280-2, “Financial Assistance Agreement”

Form SF 3881, “Electronic Funds Transfer Payment Enrollment Form”

Form AD 1047, “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters Primary Covered Transactions”

Form AD 1049, “Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants)Alternative I – For Grantees Other Than Individuals”

Form AD-3031, “Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants"

BRIAN BUCH Digitally signed by BRIAN BUCH Date: 2021.03.22 16:42:54 -07'00'

Form RD 400-4 "Assurance Agreement"

CERTIFICATION APPROVAL

EM, OL, FO, and SW LoansFor All Farmers Programs

This loan is approved subject to the availability of funds. If this loan does not close for any reason within 90 days from thedate of approval on this document, the approval official will request updated eligibility information. The undersigned loanapplicant agrees that the approval official will have 14 working days to review any updated information prior to submittingthis document for obligation of funds. If there have been significant changes that may affect eligibility, a decision as toeligibility and feasibility will be made within 30 days from the time the applicant provides the necessary information.

If this is a loan approval for which a lien and/or title search is necessary, the undersigned applicant agrees that the15-working-day loan closing requirement may be exceeded for the purposes of the applicant's legal representativecompleting title work and completing loan closing.

35. COMMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS OF CERTIFYING OFFICIAL

36. I HEREBY CERTIFY that I am unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere to finance my actual needs at reasonable ratesand terms, taking into consideration prevailing private and cooperative rates and terms in or near my community for loansfor similar purposes and periods of time. I agree to use the sum specified herein, subject to and in accordance withregulations applicable to the type of assistance indicated above, and request payment of such sum. I agree to report toUSDA any material adverse changes, financial or otherwise, that occur prior to loan closing. I certify that no part of the sumspecified herein has been received. I have reviewed the loan approval requirements and comments associated with this loanrequest and agree to comply with these provisions.

(For FP loans at eligible terms only) If this loan is approved, I elect the interest rate to be charged on my loan to be the lower of theinterest rate in effect at the time of loan approval or loan closing. If I check ''NO'', the interest rate charged on myloan will be the rate specified in Item 28 of this form. YES NO

WARNING: Whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United Statesknowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a materialfact, or makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or makes or usesany false writing or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious or fraudulentstatement or entry, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.''

Date

(Signature of Applicant)

Date ,

(Signature of Co-Applicant)

37. I HEREBY CERTIFY that all of the committee and administrative determinations and certifications required by regulationsprerequisite to providing assistance of the type indicated above have been made and that evidence thereof is in the docket, andthat all requirements of pertinent regulations have been complied with. I hereby approve the above-described assistance in theamount set forth above, and by this document, subject to the availability of funds, the Government agrees to advance suchamount to the applicant for the purpose of and subject to the availability prescribed by regulations applicable to this type ofassistance.

(Signature of Approving Official)

Date Approved: Title:

38. TO THE APPLICANT: As of this date , this is notice that your application for financial assistancefrom the USDA has been approved, as indicated above, subject to the availability of funds and other conditions required bythe USDA. If you have any questions contact the appropriate USDA Servicing Office.

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Typed or Printed Name:

Approval of financial assistance is subject to the terms of the "Letterof Conditions" dated March 22, 2021.

March 25 21

Rob Fix Executive Director

Brian Buch

BCP Program Director

This form is available electronically. Form Approved – OMB No. 0505-0027 Expiration Date: 12/31/2018

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters Primary Covered Transactions

The following statement is made in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552(a), as amended). This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Order 12549, Debarment and Suspension, and 2 C.F.R. § 180.335, Participants' responsibilities. The regulations were amended and published on August 31, 2005, in 70 Fed. Reg. 51865-51880. Copies of the regulations may be obtained by contacting the Department of Agriculture agency offering the proposed covered transaction.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0505-0027. The time requiredto complete this information collection is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The provisions of appropriate criminal and civil fraud privacy, and other statutes may be applicable to the information provided.

(Read Instructions On Page Two Before Completing Certification)

A. The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals:

1. Are not presently debarred, suspended, or proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or agency;

2. Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State or local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

3. Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (A.2.) of this certification; and

4. Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause or default.

B. Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

ORGANIZATION NAME PR/AWARD NUMBER OR PROJECT NAME

NAME(S) AND TITLE(S) OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE(S)

SIGNATURE(S) DATE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

AD-1047 United States Department of Agriculture AD-1047

Port of Bellingham 56-037-999372147

Executive DirectorRob Fix

03/25/21

Instructions for Certification

(1) By signing and submitting this form, the prospective primary participant is providing the certification set out on page 1 in accordance with these instructions.

(2) The inability of a person to provide the certification required below will not necessarily result in denial of participation in this covered transaction. The prospective participant shall submit an explanation of why it cannot provide the certification set out on this form. The certification or explanation will be considered in connection with the department or agency's determination whether to enter into this transaction. However, failure of the prospective primary participant to furnish a certification or an explanation shall disqualify such person from participation in this transaction.

(3) The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the department or agency determined to enter into this transaction. If it is later determined that the prospective primary participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminatethis transaction for cause or default.

(4) The prospective primary participant shall provide immediate written notice to the department or agency to which this proposal issubmitted if at any time the prospective primary participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

(5) The terms "covered transaction," "debarred," "suspended," "ineligible," "lower tier covered transaction," "participant," "person," "primary covered transaction," "principal," "proposal," and "voluntarily excluded," as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Order 12549, at 2 C.F.R. Parts 180 and 417. You may contact the department or agency to which this proposal is being submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.

(6) The prospective primary participant agrees by submitting this form that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency entering into this transaction.

(7) The prospective primary participant further agrees by submitting this form that it will include the clause titled "CertificationRegarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transactions," provided by the department or agency entering into this covered transaction, without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.

(8) A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Eachparticipant may, but is not required to, check the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

(9) Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which isnormally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

(10) Except for transactions authorized under paragraph (6) of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default.

Form AD-1047 (REV 12/15) Page 2 of 2

This form is available electronically. Form Approved – OMB No. 0505-0027 Expiration Date: 12/31/2018

Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Grants) Alternative I – For Grantees Other Than Individuals

The following statement is made in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552(a), as amended). This certification is required by the regulations implementing §§ 5151-5160 of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 (Pub. L.100-690, Title V, Subtitle D: 41 U.S.C. § 8101 et seq.), and 2 C.F.R. Parts 182 and 421. The regulations were amended and published on June 15, 2009, in 74 Fed. Reg. 28150-28154 and on December 8, 2011, in 76 Fed. Reg. 76610-76611. Copies of the regulations may be obtained by contacting the Department of Agriculture agency offering the grant.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0505-0027. The time requiredto complete this information collection is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The provisions of appropriate criminal and civil fraud privacy, and other statutes may be applicable to the information provided.

(Read Instructions On Page Three Before Completing Certification)

A. The grantee certifies that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by:

1. Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee’s workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;

2. Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about –

a. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

b. The grantee’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

c. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and

d. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug-abuse violations occurring in the workplace.

3. Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (A.1.).

4. Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (A.1.) that, as a condition of employment under grant, the employee will –

a. Abide by the terms of the statement; and

b. Notify the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction;

5. Notifying the agency in writing, within ten calendar days after receiving notice under subparagraph (A.4.b.) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, including position title, to every grant officer on whose grant activity the convicted employee was working, unless the Federal agency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant;

United States Department of Agriculture AD-1049

6. Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under subparagraph (A.4.b.), with respect to any employee who is so convicted –

a. Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or

b. Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or, local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency;

7. Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs(A.1. through A.6.).

B. The grantee may insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the specific grant:

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE (Street Address, City, County, State, Zip Code)

Check [ ] if there are workplaces on file that are not identified here.

ORGANIZATION NAME PR/AWARD NUMBER OR PROJECT NAME

NAME(S) AND TITLE(S) OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE(S)

SIGNATURE(S) DATE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Form AD-1049 (REV 12/15) Page 2 of 3

1901 Roeder Ave. Bellingham, WA 98227

Port of Bellingham 56-037-999372147

Rob Fix Executive Director

03/25/21

Instructions for Certification

(1) By signing and submitting this form, the grantee is providing the certification set out on pages one and two in accordance with these instructions.

(2) The certification set out on pages one and two is a material representation of fact upon which reliance is placed when the agency awards the grant. If it is later determined that the grantee knowingly rendered a false certification, or otherwise violates the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the agency, in addition to any other remedies available to the Federal Government,may take action authorized under the Drug-Free Workplace Act.

(3) Workplaces under grants, for grantees other than individuals, need not be identified on the certification. If known, they may be identified in the grant application. If the grantee does not identify the workplaces at the time of application, or upon award, if thereis no application, the grantee must keep the identity of the workplace(s) on file in its office and make the information available for Federal inspection. Failure to identify all known workplaces constitutes a violation of the grantee’s drug-free workplace requirements.

(4) Workplace identifications must include the actual address of buildings (or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the grant takes place. Categorical descriptions may be used (e.g., all vehicles of a mass transit authority or State highway department while in operation, State employees in each local unemployment office, performers in concert halls or radio studios).

(5) If the workplace identified to the agency changes during the performance of the grant, the grantee shall inform the agency of the change(s). If it previously identified the workplaces in question, see paragraph (3) above.

(6) Definitions of terms in the Nonprocurement Suspension and Debarment common rule and Drug-Free Workplace common rule apply to this certification. Grantees’ attention is called, in particular, to the following definitions from these rules:

“Controlled substance” means a controlled substance in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812, and as further defined by 21 C.F.R. §§ 1308.11-1308.15. “Conviction” means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the Federal or State criminal drug statutes. “Criminal drug statute” means a Federal or non-Federal criminal statute involving the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, use, or possession of any controlled substance. “Employee” means the employee of a grantee directly engaged in the performance of work under a grant, including: (i) all “direct charge” employees (ii) all “indirect charge” employees unless their impact or involvement is insignificant to the performance of the grant and, (iii) temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the performance of work under the grant and who are on the grantee’s payroll. This definition does not include workers not on the payroll of the grantee (e.g., volunteers, even if used to meet a matching requirement, consultants or independent contractors not on the grantee’s payroll, or employees of subrecipients or subcontractors in covered workplaces).

Form AD-1049 (REV 12/15) Page 3 of 3

This form is available electronically. Form Approved – OMB No. 0505-0025 Expiration Date: 04/30/2019 AD-3031

U.S. Department of Agriculture

ASSURANCE REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION OR TAX DELINQUENT STATUS FOR CORPORATE APPLICANTS

This award is subject to the provisions contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, Pub. L. 114-113, Division E, Title VII, sections 745 and 746, as amended and/or subsequently enacted for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies and offices regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies.

Accordingly, by accepting this award the corporation recipient acknowledges: (1) that it does not have a Federal tax delinquency, meaning that it is not subject to any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability, and (2) that it has not been convicted of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within 24 months preceding the award, unless a suspending and debarring official of the USDA has considered suspension or debarment of the recipient corporation based on these convictions and/or tax delinquencies and determined that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government. If the recipient fails to comply with these provisions, the agency will annul this agreement and may recover any funds the recipient has expended in violation of the above cited statutory provisions.

_________________________________________________ APPLICANT’S SIGNATURE (BY)

_________________________________________________ TITLE/RELATIONSHIP OF THE INDIVIDUAL IF SIGNING IN A REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY

___________________________________________________________________ BUSINESS NAME

_________________________________________________ DATE SIGNED (MM-DD-YYYY)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs, genetic information, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Rev: 02/16

NOTE: The following statement is made in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 USC 552(a)–as amended). The authority for requesting the following information for USDA agencies and offices is in sections 745 and 746 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, Pub. L. 114-113, as amended and/or subsequently

enacted. The information will be used to document compliance with appropriations restrictions.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number of this information collection is 0505-0025. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 3 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. The provisions of appropriate criminal and civil fraud, privacy, and other statutes may be applicable to the information provided.

Rob Fix Executive Director

Port of Bellingham

03/25/21

USDAForm RD 400-4 (Rev. 11-17)

FORM APPROVED OMB No. 0575-0018 OMB No. 0570-0062

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0575-0018. The time required to complete this information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

(name of recipient)

(address)

Position 3

ASSURANCE AGREEMENT(Under Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964)

The

As a condition of receipt of Federal financial assistance, you acknowledge and agree that you must comply (and require any subgrantees, subrecipients, contractors, successors, transferees, and assignees to comply) with applicable provisions of national laws and policies prohibiting discrimination, including but not limited to:

1. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, which prohibits you from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.), and 7 CFR Part 15, 7 CFR 1901, Subpart E.

As clarified by Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, and resulting agency (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service) guidance, national origin discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of limited English proficiency (LEP). To ensure compliance with Title VI, you must take reasonable steps to ensure that LEP persons have meaningful access to your programs [in accordance with USDA RD LEP Guidance for RD Funded (Assisted) Programs]. Meaningful access may entail providing language assistance services, including oral and written translation, where necessary. You are encouraged to consider the need for language services for LEP persons served or encountered both in developing your budgets and in conducting your programs and activities. For assistance and information regarding your LEP obligations, go tohttp://www.lep.gov;

2. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits you from discriminating on the basis of sex in education programs or activities (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.)[as implemented by 7 CFR Part 15, 7 CFR 1901, SubpartE];

3. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, which prohibits you from discriminating on the basis of age(42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.) [as implemented by 7 CFR Part 15, 7 CFR 1901, Subpart E];

4. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits you from discriminating on the basis of disability (29 U.S.C. 794) [as implemented by 7 CFR Part 15, 7 CFR Part 15b, 7 CFR 1901, Subpart E];

5. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits you from discriminating in the sale, rental, financing, and advertising of dwellings, or in the provision of services in connection therewith, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, familial status, and sex (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.), as implemented by the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 24 CFR part 100. The prohibition on disability discrimination includes the requirement that new multifamily housing with four or more dwelling units, i.e., the public and common use areas and individual apartment units (all units in buildings with elevators and ground-floor units in buildings without elevators) be designed and constructed with certain accessible features, see 24 CFR Part 100.201; and

6. Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibit you from discriminating on the basis of disability in the operation of public entities, public and private transportation systems, places of public accommodation, and certain testing entities (42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12189), as implemented by Department of Justice regulations at 28 C.F.R. parts 35 and 36, and 7 CFR Part 15, 7 CFR Part 15b, 7 CFR 1901, Subpart E.

1901 Roeder Ave.

Port of Bellingham

Bellingham, WA 98227

You also acknowledge and agree that you must comply (and require any subgrantees, subrecipients, contractors, successors, transferees, and assignees to comply) with applicable provisions governing USDA Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service) access to records, accounts, documents, information, facilities, and staff:

1. You must cooperate with any compliance review or complaint investigation conducted by USDA Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service).

2. You must give USDA Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service) access to and the right to examine and copy records, accounts, and other documents and sources ofinformation related to the grant and permit access to facilities, personnel, and other individuals and information as may be necessary, as required by Title VI, Title IX, Age, and Section 504 implementing regulations and other applicable laws or program guidance.

3. You must keep such records and submit to the responsible Department official or designee timely, complete, and accurate compliance reports at such times, and in such form and containing such information, as the responsibleDepartment official or his designee may determine to be necessary to ascertain whether you have complied or are complying with relevant obligations.

4. You must comply with all other reporting, data collection, and evaluation requirements, as prescribed by law or detailed in program guidance.

5. Make available to users, participants, beneficiaries and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this agreement and the regulations, and in such manner as the Rural Development or the U.S. Department of Agriculture finds necessary to inform such persons of the protection assured them against discrimination.

6. If, during the past three years, you (the recipient) have been accused of discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), sex, age, disability, religion, or familial status, you must provide a list of all such proceedings, pending or completed, including outcome and copies of settlement agreements.

7. In the event any court or administrative agency makes a finding of discrimination on grounds of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), sex, age, disability, religion, or familial status against you, or you settle a case or matter alleging such discrimination, you must forward a copy of the complaint and findings to USDA Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service), Office of Civil Rights.

The United States has the right to seek judicial enforcement of these obligations.

You also acknowledge and agree that you must comply (and require any subgrantees, subrecipients, contractors, successors, transferees, and assignees to comply) with applicable provisions of program-specific nondiscrimination policy requirements found at CFR Part 15, 7 CFR Part 15 b, 12 CFR Part 202, 7 CFR 1901, Subpart E., DR4300-003, DR4330-0300, DR4330-005.

Period of ObligationIn the case of any service, financial aid, covered employment, equipment, property, or structure provided, leased, or improved with federal assistance extended to the Recipient by Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service), this assurance obligates the Recipient for the period during which federal assistance is extended. In the case of any transfer of such service, financial aid, equipment, property, or structure, this assurance obligates the transferee for the period during which federal assistance is extended. If any personal property is so provided, this assurance obligates the Recipient for the period during which it retains ownership or possession of the property. In all other cases, this assurance obligates the Recipient for the period during which the federal assistance is extended to the Recipient by Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service).

Employment PracticesWhere a primary objective of the federal assistance is to provide employment or where the Recipient’s employment practices affect the delivery of services in programs or activities resulting from federal assistance extended by Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service), the Recipient agrees not to discriminate on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability, in its employment practices. Such employment practices may include, but are not limited to, recruitment, advertising, hiring, layoff or termination, promotion, demotion, transfer, rates of pay, training and participation in upward mobility programs; or other forms of compensation and use of facilities.

In witness whereof, ___________________________________________________________________________________on this

(S E A L)

Data CollectionThe Recipient agrees to compile and maintain information pertaining to programs or activities developed as a result of the Recipient’s receipt of federal assistance from Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service). Such information shall include, but is not limited to the following: (1) the manner in which services are or will be provided and related data necessary for determining whether any persons are or will be denied such services on the basis of prohibited discrimination; (2) the population eligible to be served by race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability; (3) data regarding covered employment including use or planned use of bilingual public contact employees serving beneficiaries of the program where necessary to permit effective participation by beneficiaries unable to speak or understand English; (4) the location of existing or proposed facilities connected with the program and related information adequate for determining whether the location has or will have the effect of unnecessarily denying access to any person on the basis of prohibited discrimination; (5) the present or proposed membership by race, color, national origin, sex, age and disability in any planning or advisory body which is an integral part of the program; and (6) any additional written data determined by Rural Development (Rural Housing Service, Rural Business and Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service) to be relevant to the obligation to assure compliance by recipients with laws cited in this assurance agreement.

Under penalty of perjury, the undersigned officials certify that they have read and understand their obligations as herein described, that the information submitted in conjunction with this Document is accurate and complete, and that the recipient is in compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements set out above.

Rights and remedies provided for under this agreement shall be cumulative.

(name of recipient)date has caused this agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officers and its seal affixed hereto, or, if a natural person, has hereunto executed this agreement.

Recipient

Date

TitleTitle

Attest:

Port of Bellingham

03/25/21

Rob Fix Executive Director

ACH VENDOR/MISCELLANEOUS PAYMENT ENROLLMENT FORM

OMB No. 1510-0056

This form is used for Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments with an addendum record that contains payment-related information processed through the Vendor Express Program. Recipients of these payments should bring this information to the attention of their financial institution when presenting this form for completion. See reverse for additional instructions.

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT The following information is provided to comply with the Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-579). All information collected on this form is required under the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 3322 and 31 CFR 210. This information will be used by the Treasury Department to transmit payment data, byelectronic means to vendor's financial institution. Failure to provide the requested information maydelay or prevent the receipt of payments through the Automated Clearing House Payment System.

AGENCY INFORMATION FEDERAL PROGRAM AGENCY

AGENCY IDENTIFIER: AGENCY LOCATION CODE (ALC): ACH FORMAT:

CCD+ CTX ADDRESS:

CONTACT PERSON NAME: TELEPHONE NUMBER:

( ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

)

PAYEE/COMPANY INFORMATION NAME SSN NO. OR TAXPAYER ID NO.

ADDRESS

CONTACT PERSON NAME: TELEPHONE NUMBER:

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION INFORMATION NAME:

ADDRESS:

ACH COORDINATOR NAME: TELEPHONE NUMBER:

NINE-DIGIT ROUTING TRANSIT NUMBER:

DEPOSITOR ACCOUNT TITLE:

DEPOSITOR ACCOUNT NUMBER: LOCKBOX NUMBER:

TYPE OF ACCOUNT:

CHECKING SAVINGS LOCKBOX SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL: (Could be the same as ACH Coordinator)

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

(

(

)

) SF 3881 (Rev. 2/2003 )

31 U S C 3322; 31 CFR 210 AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION Prescribed by Department of Treasury

NAME:

NINE-DIGIT ROUTING TRANSIT NUMBER:

DEPOSITOR ACCOUNT NUMBER:

TYPE OF ACCOUNT:

USDA Rural Development

1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Suite B

Olympia, WA 98512

Wanda Collins

wanda.collins@usda.gov

Port of Bellingham 91-6001014

1901 Roeder Ave.

Bellingham, WA 98227

Rob Fix (360) 715-5119

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Proposed Scope of Work Executive Summary

Port of Bellingham (POB), in partnership with Sustainable Connections (SC) and Spark Northwest, seeks USDA Energy Audit funding for the Whatcom County Rural Energy Audit Program (WCREAP). This project will deliver energy audits to rural small businesses and agriculture producers in Whatcom County, Washington. It will unite the POB’s long history of supporting economic development in rural Whatcom County with the respected energy audit and program management expertise of SC, and Spark Northwest’s experience supporting rural energy efficiency programs with education, technical assistance, and outreach. Together, these organizations will provide energy audits that spur action for energy efficiency across the county. This program will leverage groundwork laid by SCs’ Community Energy Challenge Program and POB’s decades of relationship building and economic innovation in Whatcom County. The WCREAP will increase the energy awareness of Washington’s rural communities and provide opportunities for improvements in efficiency. This program will have shared benefits of local economic development and work force training for contractors in this market.

I. The Whatcom County Rural Energy Audit Program will consist of three phases: 1. Targeted Outreach

Thanks to existing groundwork by SC’s Community Energy Challenge, a community energy efficiency program established in 2009, the staffing, expertise and infrastructure to begin providing energy audits is already in place. To begin raising awareness of the WCREAP, the project team will leverage existing partner relationships to provide direct outreach to the target market. In its 100-year history, the POB has created trusted relationships with myriad entities throughout Whatcom County, including our rural areas. This includes, but is not limited to, the Small Cities Partnership (Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack, Sumas), every Chamber in Whatcom County (Bellingham Regional, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack-Everson, Sumas, Point Roberts, Birch Bay, and Mount Baker), and business organizations that serve rural areas and the agricultural sector such as the Whatcom County Business and Commerce Committee, the Whatcom Business Alliance, the Technology Alliance Group (TAG), and many others.

SC has a long history providing outreach to and engaging businesses with energy efficiency. They also have a robust Food and Farming program with hundreds of contacts in the agricultural industry. A full list of Whatcom County rural business contacts already in the SC database is attached and will be the basis for targeted electronic outreach. The project team will provide outreach and marketing materials to these channels to educate the target audience about energy issues and opportunities for energy support with audits, project management and inform them on the myriad of resources available. The project team will provide staff to speak at local industry and community events to further spread the word, as well as reaching out through traditional channels that are proven to reach rural audiences: local newspapers, radio spots where appropriate, and industry communication channels.

A key part of the marketing strategy will be to engage the assistance of many local community partners. The Whatcom Conservation District has been serving Whatcom County since 1946 and has a long track record of supporting the local farm community. The District publishes newsletters, hosts educational workshops and tours, and will support outreach and engagement through these channels. The District

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will leverage their existing relationships and established trust to encourage rural farmers to sign up for an energy audit.

The CEC will use established communications channels (website, newsletter, etc.) to publicize the opportunity for businesses to participate throughout Whatcom County. They will also leverage other funding sources to develop a robust plan for enhanced outreach rural businesses.

The POB will leverage its long established partnerships and the Regional Economic Partnership (REP)’s membership on boards and committees throughout Whatcom County to market and advertise energy audits to local businesses. REP will utilize its and the POB’s social media platforms, e-newsletters, and additional outreach mechanisms to further promote the program.

Result: 100 agricultural producers or rural small businesses receive information about the WCREAP as evidenced by visitors to the CEC webpage, or inquiries received through phone or email

2. Intake and Screening

POB and SC will screen potential audit recipients identified through the program’s targeted outreach efforts. Potential participants will talk with program staff to determine eligibility, ascertain energy load (participants will provide release forms for the project team to access their utility data), and gather other site-specific information. POB and Sustainable Connections will follow up with participants who demonstrate both the willingness to proceed and a commitment to dedicate the time and resources necessary, to discuss next steps toward receiving an energy audit.

Result: 40 agricultural producers or rural small businesses complete intake/screening

3. Energy Audits

SC staff will be providing energy audits for at least thirty eligible entities, to determine the economic and technical feasibility of implementing identified energy efficiency measures. As appropriate, we will use the agency recommended practice for on farm energy audits: the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers S612 Level II audit. Energy audits will enable the recipients to move forward with grant applications to other USDA financial assistance program, such as the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

In addition to providing information on efficiency cost savings from recommended energy upgrades, SC will provide a comprehensive Energy Audit Report to every participant, which will include:

o Summary of the operation o Analysis of operations and annual energy use o Cost effectiveness/energy saving comparison to help prioritize between all recommended

measures o Recommended measures with costs, savings, and simple payback o Information on available rebates and incentives, where applicable

Result: 30 agricultural producers or rural small businesses complete energy audit

II. Coordination of Activities

3

POB and SC will collaborate on most aspects of this project. SparkNW and Whatcom Conservation District will have smaller, specific roles.

Joint activities include:

o Developing outreach language and materials to communicate the program to the target audience

o Conducting marketing and outreach through POB’s existing business client connections, local industry and community events, and traditional advertising avenues (print, social media, e-newsletters).

o Track program metrics and have shared database of participants. SC will:

o Deliver energy audits to agricultural producers and rural small businesses in Whatcom County. This includes reviewing each project intake, selecting at least thirty entities to receive energy audits, conducting the audit, preparing and presenting the audit report in a user-friendly format, and including information on all feasible efficiency upgrades.

SparkNW will work with SC to support energy audit through technical assistance and audit management. Whatcom Conservation District will provide outreach and engagement support to ensure business participation. III. Program Goals The goals of the Whatcom Rural Energy Audit Program are to:

1. Educate rural small business owners and agricultural producers in an underserved rural community about their options for implementing energy efficiency measures.

2. Deliver thirty energy audits to eligible small businesses or producers. The audit process includes an on-site audit, a comprehensive report including recommended measures with energy savings, costs, and payback, and technical assistance. Audits will be conducted at eligible sites where an energy efficiency improvement are intended to offset existing energy use.

IV. Geographic Scope and Service Area POB supports a healthy and diversified economy for all Whatcom County residents and has a specific interest in advancing the development of the small cities and rural areas. The service area for the WCREAP will include all areas considered rural by the USDA in Whatcom County. This covers six small cities (Blaine, Everson, most of Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack, and Sumas) and nearly 1.5 million total acres. It will also assist agricultural producers throughout the County, including Bellingham. V. Needs of Service Area and Target Audience This county is substantially rural and many areas considered remote by Washington standards.

• Large agricultural sector: Whatcom County has dedicated itself to maintaining and supporting its agriculture and, as such, the County Comprehensive Plan has reserved 100,000 acres for agriculture. Whatcom County agriculture is diverse in terms of size and products, but primarily

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specializes in dairy, raspberries, blueberries, and seed potatoes. Whatcom County is the largest producer of raspberries in the state of Washington.

• Rural area experiencing rapid growth: Due to the nationwide housing shortage and the very high cost of living in Whatcom County, particularly in the Bellingham area, many Whatcom County residents are being pushed out of urban areas and into rural areas due to issues of availability and affordability. Therefore, we are seeing large booms in residential and commercial building in many of our small cities, with Blaine and Ferndale issuing near or over 1000 permits in 2019. As our rural areas grow in population, they remain unserved or underserved if they fall outside of a city jurisdiction or UGA and are likely to be reliant upon wells and septic and may be subject to higher energy and internet rates.

• Business resiliency: Whatcom County businesses and residents are at risk for many natural and man-made disasters, including but not limited to tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and massive flooding. As climate change advances and more extreme weather occurs regularly, it will be essential that redundancies, particularly in the form of energy are built into our businesses and economy. This will help prepare the region’s economy for a disaster and increases the likelihood that businesses will be able to remain in Whatcom County after a disaster.

VI. Timeline and Resources As described in the Executive Summary, the Whatcom County Rural Energy Audit Program uses a three-phase approach to delivering energy audits:

1. Outreach: POB and SC will conduct intensive outreach and recruiting to existing contacts and a broad array of new audiences through partner organizations. Whatcom Conservation District will be subcontracted for outreach and engagement.

2. Intake and Screening: Sustainable Connections will screen potential participants to determine

eligibility, ascertain energy load and gather other site-specific information. Participants who demonstrate both the willingness to proceed—and a commitment to dedicate the time and resources necessary—will be encouraged to proceed to an energy audit

3. Energy Audits: Thirty energy audits will be performed by SC

Pending USDA funding, program planning will commence in spring 2021. The program is anticipated to operate for eighteen months from the grant award.

SC POB SC POB SC POB SC POB SC POB SC POB

1. Outreach and Recruitment

2. Intake and Screening

3. Energy Auditing

Q6Task

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5

5

VII. Resources

The POB has 100 years of experience in economic development, transportation, and logistics planning in Whatcom County. The POB is funded by taxpayer dollars, real estate earnings, as well as federal, state, and local funders for specific programs or projects (i.e. Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Commerce). The POB has existing relationships and networks, which are key for this work.

Sustainable Connections has ten years of experience providing energy audits and project implementation services to small and medium sized businesses in Western Washington through the Community Energy Challenge (CEC) program. The CEC is currently funded through a grant from the state government administered by the Washington State University Energy Program. This can be used to provide funds for staff time and rebates to help participants implement the measures recommended in the Energy Audit Report, which are not covered by REDA but are an important part of fostering energy efficiency at rural and agricultural businesses. This will amount to $43,660 in match funds for this campaign. Sustainable Connections employs two CEM certified energy auditors, a program assistant, and program director, and they have the experience and capacity to complete three to six energy audits per month, while conducting outreach activities to new participants and providing audit reports and follow-up for existing participants.

VIII. Marketing Strategies

The program will utilize targeted outreach efforts to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to enroll potential participants. Based on previous experience, the following elements are most effective:

o Use proven existing communication channels. POB already communicates regularly with businesses regarding many types of services such as workforce training, revolving loan fund opportunities, as well as energy efficiency services, offers, and opportunities to customers. All businesses in Whatcom County (with the exception of Bellingham and some of Ferndale area) are considered rural for the purposes of this program and SC primarily serves small businesses.

o Leverage existing relationships. POB is also well connected with Whatcom economic development and business agencies including but not limited to the Whatcom Business Alliance, the Technology Alliance Group (TAG), the Whatcom County Bellingham Tourism Board, the Whatcom County Business and Commerce Committee as well as the Small Cities Partnership. A member of the REP team meets with most of these entities on a monthly basis.

o SC has been marketing and raising awareness of the Community Energy Challenge energy audit program for 10 years and has extensive experience collaborating with utilities, local governments, such as the POB, contractors, and business associations to reach the targeted audience. SC works extensively with local farmers and rural businesses through our Food and Farming program. We will invite the USDA to present at relevant educational events.

o Enlist agricultural producers and small businesses as peer-to-peer educators. In organizing presentations and outreach events, we will use our established relationships to support peer-to-peer education. For example, the project team may enlist rural Whatcom businesses that have previously received an energy audit from Sustainable Connections to speak at a community forum to raise awareness of the benefit they have received from the program.

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o Ensure that the opportunity reaches a diverse audience. A small but growing number of farms are owned by non-white, sometimes non-English speaking principal operators (2012 Census of Agriculture). When appropriate and as resources are available, we will make efforts to translate outreach materials and to have interpreters available for presentations. We also plan to extend outreach to local organizations such as Community 2 Community as well as leaders in these communities, including our new County Executive Satpal Sidhu, who have existing relationships with these populations.

o A multi-media approach. We will utilize virtual presentations at committee meetings, business associations, and local agriculture outreach opportunities. The program will have a social media presence and a dedicated webpage. REP will also include information regarding the program in their quarterly electronic newsletter as well as the POB social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).

IX. Applicant Experience The project team has the experience necessary to complete the proposed work. POB will lead the program with targeted outreach to small business owners, sharing tools and templates based on years of experience working with rural audiences. Sustainable Connections will be contracted by POB and mainly responsible for preforming energy audits and audit management. Sustainable Connections has over ten years’ experience preforming services similar to those listed in this project proposal. Their team has completed energy audits at over 713 local businesses, in four counties including San Juan, Whatcom, Skagit, and Island. SC has been working with OPALCO on a similar energy audit program funded by a USDA EA grant in 2019. The experiences of each organization are summarized below: 1. Sustainable Connections Rose Lathrop, Program Director Rose joined the Sustainable Connection staff in 2012 as a local leader in the green building movement. Rose has a versed background from both the public and private sector and has led many of Sustainable Connections’ most successful energy efficiency programs and campaigns. She graduated from Huxley College for the Environment with a degree in Environmental Policy and Urban Planning. She is a certified Sustainable Building Advisor and a LEED Accredited Professional. Emily Larson Kubiak, Energy Advisor and Program Coordinator Emily has worked in the energy management field for 12 years. She holds a CEM certification from the Association of Energy Engineers and has extensive training from Building Performance Institute, including her IDL certification. Emily is passionate about helping local business owners understand the opportunities they have to reduce their energy use, and removing barriers to make it easier for them to do so. Orion Eaton, Energy Project Advisor Orion holds a degree in Clean Energy Technology, many certificates in green building, design, energy auditing, business, sustainability, and has a bachelor’s degree in Energy Management and Policy at Western Washington University. He holds a CEM certification from the Association of Energy Engineers and has extensive training from Building Performance Institute. With nearly 20 years of experience in carpentry and construction, including commercial solar installations and LED lighting design, Orion

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understands how to navigate the art and science of energy efficiency so that it makes practical sense for any business or industry. Awards for Energy, Energy Savings, and Energy Based Technical Assistance:

Sustainable Connections has been recognized for its energy efficiency activities, including:

• Regional: 2011 Best Facilities Action Plan from Puget Sound Energy RCM Awards. Sustainable Connections Community Energy Challenge program developed Facility Action Plans that were exemplary in demonstrating the organization has a process in place to evaluate each facility and communicate recommendations to the appropriate audience for implementation.

• Regional: 2013 Best Data Management from Puget Sound Energy RCM Awards. Sustainable Connections Community Energy Challenge program developed a robust database to accurately track customers, facilities, energy efficiency projects, incentives, energy saved and GHG reduction.

• Regional: 2015 Excellence on Main Street Green Communities Award. The Excellence on Main Awards are organized by the Washington State Main Street Program and recognized Sustainable Connections’ Community Energy Challenge for helping to create sustainable communities and economic vitality in Bellingham for work supporting energy efficiency in downtown.

• Regional: 2016 4 Under 40 Award NW Energy Coalition: This honor recognized Rose Lathrop as a clean energy leaders under the age of 40 who model the passion and expertise we need to achieve a clean and affordable energy future.

• National: 2017 Georgetown University Energy Prize Third Place: Through this competition, communities were challenged to work together with their local governments and utilities in order to develop and implement plans for innovative, replicable, scalable, and continual reductions in the per capita energy consumed by local natural gas and electric utilities.

Spark Northwest has been recognized for its efficiency and renewable energy activities, including:

• Local: 2013: Seattle Business Magazine’s Green Washington Award: Silver for deploying Seattle Community Solar, Solarize and other clean energy campaigns that resulted in over 2 MW of solar installed in Seattle.

• Local: 2014: In recognition of Spark Northwest’s effectiveness in facilitating renewable energy project development, Social Venture Partners selected them for investment. Over five years, SVP will provide financial resources and coach the Board and Executive team through a strategic planning process that will ensure that they can continue to build on their solid foundation and increase their impact.

• Regional: 2016: Tulalip Raising Hands. In recognition of Spark Northwest’s technical assistance to tribal and rural communities, the Tulalip Tribe honored Spark Northwest (formerly Northwest SEED) as a featured non-profit at their 2016 Raising Hands event with the creation and showing of a publicity video (https://vimeo.com/189034999).

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• National: 2016: Spark Northwest Project Manager Mia Devine was awarded the national Community Wind Innovator Award for her work in creating a wind energy permitting and zoning toolkit that has been used as a resource nationwide. This award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant progress over the past one to two years in forging ahead with new policies, new approaches, new business models or new research to further community and distributed wind energy.

• Regional: 2018: Clean Tech Alliance awarded Spark Northwest with their 2018 Energy Leadership Achievement Award for their work to advance adoption of clean energy. CleanTech Alliance represents 300 member organizations spanning Ten U.S. States and three Canadian provinces.

2. Port of Bellingham

Adrienne Hegedus, Environmental Specialist and Sustainability Program Manager Adrienne has over 20 years of experience working in the agricultural and forestry sectors, as well as with greenhouse gas emission inventories and energy efficiency projects throughout North America. She has an MSc degree in Soil Science and a BSc in Forestry from UBC in Vancouver, BC. She completed an additional masters’ thesis project in rural Sabah, Malaysia and has worked with forestry and agricultural clients throughout Indonesia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. Adrienne manages the Port of Bellingham’s Sustainability Program, including the energy efficiency strategy and Climate Program. She also works directly with the Port’s ~150 Commercial tenants in Bellingham, Blaine and Sumas on environmental compliance. Don Goldberg, Director, Regional Economic Partnership Don has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate development and was hired to lead Whatcom County’s economic development efforts in January 2018. He is a member of over a dozen boards and committees countywide and is deeply engaged with Whatcom County’s business community. In 2019, Don sat on the City of Bellingham’s Climate Action Taskforce and contributed to the final recommendations for a climate action policy. He is also participating in discussions regarding the POB’s climate policy. John Michener, Economic Development Project Manager John has worked in economic development in Whatcom County for over ten years and has existing relationships with hundreds of businesses in multiple sectors and industries. He is also responsible for businesses within the agriculture industry. As an ED Project Manager, John manages the Revolving Loan Fund, which is another tool that the POB has to offer small businesses to grow, expand, and stay in our region. Gina Stark, Economic Development Project Manager Gina has over 15 years of experience working for local and state government. As an ED Project Manager, she is responsible for the technology and recreation industries in Whatcom County. Both industries are rapidly growing in urban and rural areas of the county. Gina is deeply committed to rural development issues and is the Project Manager for the rural broadband program in Whatcom County. She also serves on the Habitat for Humanity board in Whatcom County as well as the Whatcom Housing Alliance, which strives to provide affordable housing for all of Whatcom County.

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Jennifer Noveck, Ph.D., Research and Communications Manager Jennifer has over ten years of experience working on economic development topics internationally and locally, including in countries with large rural populations such as Indonesia and mainland China. She received her Ph.D. in political economy from University of Washington in August 2017 and as a member of the REP team helps facilitate the Small Cities Partnership meetings, the Whatcom County Business and Commerce Committee, and develops marketing and advertising deliverables such as presentations, social media posts, and one page infographics. In summer 2019, she visited over twenty sites throughout the county and presented to over 160 individuals regarding the services and programs offered by the Port’s economic development department. She also manages the department’s business resiliency and pre-disaster economic recovery planning. Recent large energy awards The Port of Bellingham recently submitted a successful application for a $250,000 Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund (GSRF) grant awarded to Silfab Solar. The Port will be responsible for administering and reporting of this grant. X. Itemized Budget The proposed project budget over two years is $ 143,660.00 of which $100,000 is USDA grant funds, and $43,660 is cost share from the energy audits (this represents the 25% of the audit cost that is paid by the audit recipient, as required by USDA) and from match funds from WSU grants to Sustainable Connections. Please see SF 424A for a detailed breakdown of the budget.

The following summary chart shows the estimated use of project funds, including personnel, supplies, and travel expenses related to delivering the WCREAP, as well as a breakdown of the percentage of program budget allocated to the applicant (POB) and the contractor (SC): An explanation of budget categories is as follows:

• Personnel: POB will provide program leadership by Adrienne Hegedus, the Port’s Sustainability Programs manager. Public outreach and support will be provided by the POB’s Regional Economic Partnership team, which includes Director Don Goldberg, two Economic Development Project Managers John Michener and Gina Stark, and their Research and Communications Manager Jennifer Noveck.

• Fringe Benefits: Includes PTO healthcare and on going retirement match that is in line with industry standards.

• Contractual: In order to provide flexible deployment of resources to meet the individual needs of program participants, POB plans to hire Sustainable Connections to perform program support, targeted outreach, and energy audit support. Additionally, POB will contract with community partners where appropriate.

• Supplies: Program supplies include printing and materials for outreach and audit activities. • Travel: Travel includes those expenses related to providing energy audits and outreach across

Whatcom County, as well as other program-related travel. Budget numbers include an estimate of mileage and associated costs.

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Contractual

The POB will contract with Sustainable Connections for the majority of the energy audit work and the commitment of match funding. The POB will also contract with SparkNW and Whatcom Conservation District for specific tasks. A letter of support from SparkNW has been included. However, we were unable to obtain a letter from the Whatcom Conservation District. All letters of support must be approved by their board, which was not able to meet in time for this grant application. POB and SC staff have discussed this project with staff, who have indicted a high level of excitement and commitment to the scope of work outlined in this grant. We do anticipate a letter of support by February 15, 2021.

Commitment of Other Funding Sources

In addition to income from energy audit recipients, we anticipate leveraging $5,750 in match funds from energy audit fees and the remaining $37,910 of funding from the Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) administered through Washington State University Energy Program to Sustainable Connections to bolster this campaign.

WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

JON HUTCHINGS DIRECTOR

RIVER AND FLOOD 322 N. Commercial Street, Suite 120

Bellingham, WA 98225-4042 Phone: (360) 676-6876, (360) 398-1310

www.whatcomcounty.us

Randy Baird, USDA Rural Development 1606 Perry Street, Suite D Yakima, WA 98902-5798 Tel: (509) 454-5743

TO: Randy Baird, USDA Rural Development FROM: Jon Hutchings, Public Works Director RE: Letter of Support for Whatcom County Rural Energy Audit Program DATE: January 27, 2021

Dear Mr. Baird, Whatcom County is committed to supporting our rural businesses and agricultural producers as they represent a significant portion of our local economy. We are pleased to offer this letter of support for the Whatcom County Rural Energy Audit Program (WCREAP) as we believe it will have a positive impact in our community. The WCREAP program has the opportunity to support businesses and industry through education and technical assistance and support with grants and incentives. This program brings together key partners that add significant value proposition for small, rural businesses not available anywhere else. Not only will businesses receive an energy audit, but will also have access to special cash incentives to ensure their capital projects are cost effective. The Port of Bellingham is a key partner with Whatcom County on many important rural economic development strategies and has the developed trust and relationships with many local businesses. The County recognizes Sustainable Connections’ Community Energy Challenge program as the local authority in energy audits and efficiency in Whatcom County for over 10 years. We are confident the WCREAP team will be able to deliver great results. This effort will provide valuable technical and financial support to our rural and agricultural community members and will increase local efforts to encourage energy efficiency and support climate action goals. Whatcom County highly recommends WCREAP be selected for a USDA Rural Energy Development grant. Sincerely,

Whatcom County Public Works Director

January 25, 2021 Randy Baird, USDA Rural Development 1606 Perry Street, Suite D Yakima, WA 98902-5798 Tel: (509) 454-5743 Dear Mr. Baird, I am excited to submit this application detailing Sustainable Connections’ commitment to partnering in the scope of work outlined in the Port of Bellingham application for the Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit grant. We look forward to a productive collaboration with the Port of Bellingham to deliver high quality energy audits for agricultural producers and rural small businesses throughout Whatcom County. Since 2009, Sustainable Connections has operated the Community Energy Challenge and provides technical expertise and financial assistance to make saving energy easy and affordable. We work with businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations in NW Washington to provide turn-key services to make energy efficiency upgrades simple, streamlined, and cost-effective. Our mission is to make NW Washington a recognized national leader in energy efficiency while creating local jobs and reducing our participant’s energy and water bills. Sustainable Connections’ vast experience providing energy audits and project management services to hundreds of clients, established relationships with diverse stakeholders in the region, and demonstrated technical expertise will be leveraged to support Port of Bellingham energy audit activities during this campaign. We are confident that our team has the relevant expertise to deliver targeted technical assistance to rural businesses across Whatcom County, to promote the widespread deployment of energy efficient technologies. As a long-time advocate for clean, affordable, renewable energy, we look forward to participating in this important program, and recommend your strong support for this proposal. As a indication of our dedication to this project, Sustainable Connections will commit to matching USDA REDA grant funds with an additional $43,660 funds to ensure the maximum impact of this grant in our communities. Sincerely,

Derek Long Executive Director (360) 647-7093 | derek@sustainableconnections.org

1402 3rd Ave, Suite 901 Seattle, WA 98101

sparknorthwest.org

January 25, 2021 Brandon Hoffman USDA Rural Development 2005 E College Way Mt Vernon, WA 98273 Dear Mr. Hoffman, I am writing to express Spark Northwest’s commitment to participating in the Rural Energy Development Assistance (Energy Audit) grant submitted by the Port of Bellingham and Sustainable Connections. We look forward to working with the project team to support energy audits for agricultural producers and rural small businesses across Whatcom County. An award under this grant program will help increase awareness and direct participation in energy efficiency projects by rural communities while reducing the reliance on polluting power sources. Since 2001, Spark Northwest has worked to establish a clean energy future based on the efficient use of clean energy resources by communities across the Northwest. We have a proven track record of performing project feasibility, resource assessment, project financial analysis, renewable energy education, and project management from conception through implementation. Spark Northwest has also developed a wide range of tools and resources to assist communities with clean energy project development, including various publications and on-line resources. Spark Northwest’s extensive project management experience, established relationships with diverse stakeholders in the region, and demonstrated technical expertise will be leveraged to facilitate the activities of the Rural Energy Development Assistance Energy Audit program. We are confident that our team has the relevant expertise to identify, address, and overcome the barriers that face the widespread deployment of clean energy technologies in rural communities. As a long-time advocate for clean, affordable, renewable energy and energy efficiency, we look forward to participating in this important program, and recommend your strong support for this proposal. Sincerely, Andrea Axel Executive Director (206) 267-2212 andrea@sparknorthwest.org